§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if' he will make a statement on the measures being taken to eliminate asbestos dust from(a) the Press Gallery and (b) elsewhere in the Palace of Westminster; and what assessment he has made of the potential health hazards to Members and employees of the House of Commons as a result of exposure to asbestos dust.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 19 October 1990]: During the summer recess the Parliamentary Works Office removed asbestos from the Press Gallery staircase and other areas of the Palace of Westminster. This was done either to facilitate other jobs or as part of the asbestos removal programme, not because the asbestos was in a dangerous condition. The work was carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety Executive's asbestos regulations. The results of mandatory air tests carried out afterwards showed readings well below the minimum statutory safety levels.